Pos Malaysia launches ‘150 Years Sarawak Stamps’

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Haidan (centre) unveils the ‘150 Years Sarawak Stamps’ series during the media preview, as Ong (left) and Robin look on. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Pos Malaysia Bhd launches its latest stamp series entitled ‘150 Years Sarawak Stamps’, to be available at selected post offices nationwide starting tomorrow.

The collection is released in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the issuance of the first stamp of Sarawak on March 1, 1869.

According to Pos Malaysia’s Stamp and Philately Unit head Haidan Abdul Rahman, only 22,000 Miniature Sheets (MS) for the series are being produced and they are available at RM5 apiece.

“The MS feature the images of past Sarawak stamps and one of the highlights is an image of Sarawak’s first stamp printed in gold ink,” he said during a media preview for the series at SMK St Thomas here yesterday, where SMK St Thomas principal Robin Sabai and Philatelic Society of Kuching Sarawak (PSKS) president Dr Ong Liap Teck were also present.

Among other philatelic products in this series are 17,000 First Day Covers (FDC) without MS that include a free brochure at 50 sen each, as well as FDC with MS priced at RM5.50 each.

The cancellation mark for the collection features the ‘150 Years Sarawak Stamps logo’.

Apart from Pos Malaysia outlets, the complete series is also available for purchase via www.eziemall.com.

In conjunction with the release of the stamp collection, PSKS in collaboration with SMK St Thomas Stamps and Philately Club will be jointly holding a stamp exhibition tomorrow and the day after (July 19) at the school’s James Wong Kim Min hall, from 9am to 4pm daily.

Ong said Sarawak first started issuing stamps for two main reasons – to facilitate communications via postal service for commercial activities, and also to collect revenue.

Stamp collectors and enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the two-day exhibition to receive an exclusive cancellation mark for their postage stamp.

Meanwhile, stamp collectors and the public are encouraged to sign up for the Standing Order Deposit Account (Soda) to experience a hassle-free process in purchasing the latest stamp issues, as well as to enjoy exclusive benefits offered by Soda.

Those interested to be part of this community can sign up at any Pos Malaysia outlets nationwide, or online via at www.posonline.com.my.

For further enquiries regarding stamps and other philatelic products, Pos Malaysia’s Stamps and Philately Unit can be reached via 03-2267 2267 (extension 2000), or via [email protected].

A Pos Malaysia employee poses with the latest stamp series entitled ‘150 Years Sarawak Stamps’.